National Republican., 1887-04-04
PLANETS IN APRIL.
The Map of the Heavens Unreiisd be-
fore the Student.
[provllence Jonrnal. ]

fore the Student.
Providence Journall
Jupiter is morning star until the 2lst, ana
after that time evening star. On the 2lst
at s o'clock In the morning, our giant
brother planet is in opposition with the
sun, his only superior In the solar system.
He is as far away from him as possible, and
at his nearest pointto the earth. The oppo-
sition Of Jupiter Is gala day for terrestrial
observers for It is the time when he takes
on his most superb aspect, the time when
astronomers hope, by untiring assiduity, to
wrest from his unwilling grasp some Of the
secrets OF bis physical condition. This
privilege may be enjoyed on the 21st, not
only at the time OF opposition, but during
the whole month, for Jupiter is the most
brilliant star In the celestial vault,
with one exception, from the com.
mencement OF April to its close. We
say, with one exception, but Venus, on the
twilight sky, though larger and more fasci-
mating, is not so grand aud stately as Jupi-
ter is on the dark background OF the mid
night sky. There is no need Of pointing
out Jupiter. Any observer who watches
the LIST, will behold his advent, shining
like young moon, and claiming supremacy
over the surrounding stars.
Venus Is evening star. She 10 so lovely
an object In the glowing western twilight
that 1t seems almost like an injustice TO
give her the second place on the April
record. Jupiter, however, reaches the cul.
mipation Of his course, and Venus will not
reach her period Of greatest brilliancy until
on the pinnacle of her fame Just now,
but her charming presence will grace
the western sky till summer closes.
She has been lovely beyond descrip.
ton during March when shining near
the crescent moon or when pointing out the
position Of her fleet-footed brother Mer-
curry. AT the beginning OF the month
Jupiter rises about half hour before
Venus sets. At the end of the month
Jupiter Is visible as soon as Venus, shortly
after sunset, and the two brightest stars II
the armament are seen together for mort
than two hours, Jupiter rising in the eas
aad Venus sinking In the west till she dis
appears below the western horizon, ant
leaves her rival without his peer.
Saturn is evening star. He forms tn,
third member Of the planetary trio, and
although not as brilliant as Jupiter and
Venus, unites with them In adorniug th,
starlit sky Of April. On the 5th at O'CLOCK
In the evening Saturn is in quadrsture or
the SUMS eastern side. He is then on tn,
meridian of sunset, and makes fine ap
pearance as soon as It is dark enough fo
the stars to come out, as he hangs high II
the sky south Of the twin stars, Caster and
Pollux. 1t will be interesting to note til,
appro ich between Saturn and Venus, fo
one Of these days they win meet and pas
each other.
Mercury is morning star throughout tn,
month. On the 18th this swift travele
among the stars reaches bis greatest west
ern elongation. He is visible then and TO
few days before and after as morning star
Although at nearly his greatest distance, h
is SD far south OF the sun that 1t will be dif
fcult to find him, and no bright star In th
neighborhood serves as guide to point hin
out.
Mars is evening star until the oath ant
then becomes morning star. His hithert'
monotonous course is diversified with al
event. On the Oath at o'clock In the even
Ing he Is In conjunction with the sun. HI
long career as evening star fs ended, and
passing to the SUMS western side, he com
mences his course as morning star. He vii
be Of little account during the present yeai
not becoming visible till October, but 1
1888 his turn will come to be OF consequence
for his opposition will then occur, and ther
will be a chance to study his canals and hi
moons. .h
Neptune is evening star. On the 18th b
is in conjunction with Venus, as alread
referred to. At the close Of the mont
Jupiter, Uranus, Saturn, Venus, and NeI
tune are evening stars; Mercury and MAJ
are morning stars.
The April moon fulls on the sth At OF
S9m. .. IN. It is the most importar
moon Of all the year, for 1t is the first fu
moon after the vernal equinox, and d.
termines when Easter shall fall. East,
Sunday In turn is the pivot on which han
all the movable feasts and fasts Of Il
church. Our satellite, even II she be
dead world, exercises In this way powe
ful influence on human affairs.